LTFRB: 115K PUV drivers get fuel subsidy

Around 115,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators have received their fuel subsidies since the start of distribution on March 15, 2022, the  Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Wednesday.

“Mula nung tayo ay nagsimula magbigay ng fuel subsidy noong March 15, umabot na po sa around 115,000 beneficiaries ng fuel subsidy ang naipamahagi natin through Landbank,” LTFRB executive drector Maria Kristina Cassion said during the “Laging Handa” press briefing.

(Since we started the distribution on March 15, around 115,000 beneficiaries have received their fuel subsidy through Landbank.)

“Marami sa beneficiaries ay existing cardholders na ng Pantawid Pasada  sa nakaraang taon na ating pinatupad,” she said.

(Many of the beneficiaries are existing cardholders of the Pantawid Pasada program last year.)

The government earlier approved the release of the vouchers to over 377,000  PUV drivers including operators of jeepneys, UV express, taxis, tricycles and other full-time ride-hailing and delivery services amid the rising fuel prices in the country.

The subsidy could be claimed through cash cards to be issued by the Landbank of the Philippines and can be used in accredited fuel stations.

The LTFRB is targeting to disburse the subsidies of TNVS drivers starting next week as the government bank expedite the issuance of their cash cards. It is also still coordinating with the DILG for the list of tricycle drivers who are entitled to the voucher, Cassion said.

The transport official also appealed to PUV drivers not to ask passengers for higher fares without the directive of the government reminding them it is a violation of their franchise contract.

“Panawagan po natin na wag sinigilin ng pamasahe na hindi approved ng LTFRB dahil ito po ay ituturing na paglabag sa franchise at maari po kayong mapatawan sa aming tanggapan kung may magco-complaint sa inyo na hindi tama ang paninigil,” said Cassion.

(We appeal to PUV drivers not to charge fares that are not approved by the LTFRB. That is in violation of the franchise and you may be sanctioned if someone lodges a complaint against you.)

Cassion said passengers who will be charged with fares higher than the minimum rate can report to the 1342 hotline of the government or notify the LTFRB in its social media account.—LDF, GMA News